Leading a long, healthy and happy life is fairly simple, but sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to do. First of all you must want to live a long, healthy and happy life. People usually get what they expect out of life. If you really want a better life and are willing to make a few simple changes, then whatever you want can be yours. You must be willing to commit to these changes and not look back.

Stress is one of the main things that shortens life and is a consumer of happiness and health. The stress may be financial, job related, family or personal, or a combination thereof. We will look at each of these stress factors in an effort to reduce or eliminate them altogether. If you have financial stress that is caused by owing more than you are able to repay, then you must realize that there is a reason for this situation that you made or was subject to the decisions that have put you where you are. You must now take responsibility for those decisions and the responsibility to make the changes to reduce this stress.

Look at every item that consumes your money- every item. See what you can eliminate immediately, and if you can live without it, do so. Next see what you can reduce. You can reduce a lot more than you might think. If you think your utility bill is too high, then go throughout your residence to see what you can reduce or save on. See if you can save on car insurance, life insurance, and groceries or out of pocket expenses. Go to cash purchases. If you do not have the money to pay for something that is not necessary, then don’t buy it. Use credit or credit cards only in an emergency. Do away with the use of all credit cards if at all possible. Once you reduce your overhead, you will be surprised and pleased at what you can do without and have an increased quality of life. When you reduce the stress, you feel and look better and enjoy life much more.

If your stress is job related, then you must see what you can do to reduce that stress. Remember that it is just a job, but the stress is killing you. If you have done all that you can to change things and the stress remains, then look at the possibility of changing jobs or even careers. Remember; if you do not change now, the stress will change you later.

If you have stress in your family or personal life, then try to make amends or changes that will lower this stress. Sometimes drastic changes are required, but in the long run you will have less stress and live longer.

Diet is the second most important factor contributing to a long, healthy life. Research has shown that people who control their diet and the foods they eat, live longer than people who do not control their diet do. One of the most important things you can do is to take a multivitamin every day. You may also want to supplement with another single vitamin such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, E or B complex. Men should make sure that any multivitamin they take contains zinc. Zinc has been shown to reduce enlarging of the prostate gland and keep it healthy. Bee pollen is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and zinc in a natural form and is used by athletes and health conscious people around the world to ensure a balance of vitamins in their diets. Eat nutritious foods that are low in saturated fats and calories. Eat raw vegetables and fruits when available. Grains and cereals with a substantial fiber content are good for the intestinal tract. Eat what you feel comfortable with but always try and keep your calories down in order to keep your weight within recommended guidelines for your age. People who eat less have a tendency to live longer and be healthier than people who overeat do. These two things alone will add years to your life.

Find something that you can enjoy with a passion. This may be a hobby, sport, recreation or some other interest. It should be something you enjoy doing every time that you do it. If it becomes boring or is no longer fun, then stop for awhile and find something else you can enjoy. Consider doing volunteer work or becoming involved in community projects. The most happiness will be received when you are doing something with, or for other people. This will also keep you mentally alert and will increase your self-image.

The mind works best when it is challenged. Making decisions that are always secure causes the mind to get lazy and lose interest in what it is doing. Risk opens the mind to explore new possibilities. People who take chances live a more exciting, productive and happy life than those who do not. Get involved in a variety of activities, travel, make new friends or start a small business.

FIND SOMEONE TO LOVE

Sharing your love with someone is one of the most beneficial things you can do to live longer and to be happy. Love only works when it is given away because it benefits both the giver and the receiver. If you do not have someone to love, then try to find someone. Loving other people will add years of happiness to your life and health. It is important to love yourself as well as others.

If you have any self-destructive habits such as smoking, drinking or habitual drug use, you should try to stop them as soon as possible. If you are unable to do this by yourself, then seek professional help. You will be adding to the quality of your life and to those around you who are affected by your habits.

If you do not have a positive outlook of life, then reevaluate the way that you look at things and people in order to feel better about yourself and the world around you. There are some things around you that are going to be unpleasant and that you cannot change, but you can improve the way you feel about yourself and the way you feel about other people. Start to read books with a positive outlook, associate with supportive people, and maintain a good sense of humor. Try to look at things with a more optimistic view than you might have in the past. People, who have a positive outlook, enjoy healthier and happier lives. Your life and your health are God -given gifts. Be thankful for them, take care of them, and you will have a longer, healthier and happier life.